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Community Corner

🌱 Austin Offers Shelters To Keep Warm + Whisper Valley's Geogrid

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Austin.

Gabriela Cantu Couvillion's profile picture
Gabriela Cantu Couvillion, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Friday, people of Austin! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started off right. Here are the most important things happening today in Austin.

First, today's weather:

Rather cloudy and very cold. High: 31 Low: 21.

Here are the top stories in Austin today:

  1. On Thursday, Feb. 3, The City of Austin and Travis County opened up shelters for the community to "warm-up and recharge" during the winter storm. Kimberly McNeely, Parks and Recreation Department director said, "We want to provide residents in need with a place to warm up, charge their electronics, and have a safe place to sleep." For a list of 24-hour shelters and temporary warming centers in Austin, and for more information, visit: (cbsaustin.com)
  2. "The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and the State of Texas are working to introduce long term plans to avoid an energy failure like what was experienced" during last year's winter storm. During that time, GeoGrid™ "proved to be a resilient sustainable energy solution" for Austin's Whisper Valley community, as it is "located underground, where it is naturally winterized and able to avoid the freeze problems that occurred with other energy sources." Wesley Brinkmeyer, manager of Energy Services for Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative said, "Homes in Whisper Valley are designed to consume less energy which naturally reduces the overall energy required and puts less strain on the state's electric grid." For more information on GeoGrid™ and Whisper Valley community homes, visit: (Yahoo Finance)
  3. If you've been thinking of decluttering your house or garage, or maybe you have a large project in mind that requires renovation debris and such, Dumpster Stars can help you with information about dumpster rentals. Recently they "published an article that aims to help their community rent a dumpster in Austin, and it includes" tips on locating good dumpster rental providers, determining what type or size dumpster is needed for a given project and more. Read their complete article Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Dumpster in Austin, TX - Dumpster Stars. For more information visit: (Digital Journal)

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Today in Austin:

  • Virtual Zumba Free Online Class by Stronger Austin. (8 a.m.)
  • Cover to Cover: A Look at the Asiatic Fleet Exhibit at National Museum of the Pacific War. (9 a.m.)
  • PrintAustin Invitational: Ääripää Showcase of Works by Turku Primtmakers Association. Appointment required. (7 p.m.)
  • Greg Casar Fund Raiser (Feat. Sweet Spirit + Greyhounds) at Empire Garage. (8 p.m.)
  • "The Wedding Singer" at The Globe Drive In Theater. (8:45 p.m.)
  • Faye Webster at The Parish. (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • "Due to weather concerns, Texas Softball's Meet the Horns this Friday, Feb. 4, is canceled. For more information and opportunities to meet the team follow the link: hookem.at/MeetTheHornsCancelled." (Facebook)
  • "While TxDOT is out pre-treating highways with a solution that makes it harder for ice to form, Austin waits for the freezing rain and then spreads sand on the roads. Here's why: Why doesn't Austin pre-treat its roads for ice? | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station." (Facebook)
  • "Due to weather conditions for travel, Texas Men's Tennis match at No. 2 Baylor, which had been scheduled for Friday, Feb. 4, has been rescheduled for Monday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. CT and will take place in Baylor's Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center." (Facebook)
  • "Due to adverse weather conditions, the LBJ Library will be also closed Friday, Feb. 4. Please check http://lbjlibrary.org and our social media channels for updates. For information about admission tickets, visit Plan Your Visit - LBJ Presidential Library (acmeticketing.com)." (Facebook)
  • "We strongly encourage our downtown Austin community to conserve energy during the freezing temperatures where possible by turning off nonessential electrical services. Stay safe and warm during this winter storm and be kind to your neighbors!" (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you around!

— Gabriela Couvillion

About me: I'm an active mom of two grown sons and lifelong San Antonio resident. I received a BA in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and in my free time I immerse myself in creative writing. Thanks for reading Patch, and feel free to reach out if you have any news and happenings you think may appeal to our readers!

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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